The aim of this assignment is to develop an understanding of the varied forms of communication used in health and social care settings. I will investigate communication in interpersonal interactions, highlighting barriers to communication and identifying

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Introduction

Communication Aim The aim of this assignment is to develop an understanding of the varied forms of communication used in health and social care settings. I will investigate communication in interpersonal interactions, highlighting barriers to communication and identifying how these can be overcome. I will explore communication systems within a range of organisations gaining an understanding of relevant legislation and I will achieve proficiency in the use of IT in health and social care communication. Communication Health and social care as discussed by Burnard (1992) brings care workers into contact with people who may be lonely, anxious, devalued or emotionally vulnerable. Effective communication is needed if care workers are to promote equality, diversity and rights. There are four broad schools of learning and views on the theory of how we communicate: * Behaviourist * Cognitive * Humanist * Psychoanalytical Behavioural The Behaviourist school suggests that learning has taken place when an individual's behaviour is changed. This learning is a result of stimulations from the environment. Pavlov's classic conditioning stated that the learner begins to associate rewards with a stimulus that occurs immediately before. However this approach does not take account of internal emotional, cognitive or unconscious process, therefore it has limitations in terms of learning and self reflection. Cognitive The Cognitive theory suggests that learning involves a change; they view the learner as the active agent in the learning process, categorising and computing information. The origins of this approach drew from Piaget (1929) ...read more.

Middle

If the person is deaf a carer needs to take into consideration their usual types of communication that are used and make sure they are sitting close to the client. If the person who has a visual impairment or are blind, a carer will need to make sure they use verbal reinforcement. In order to avoid any environmental barriers a carer must consider factors such as privacy, room temperature, noise etc "these may seem obvious but they need to be considered when planning communication" (Nolan et al, 2005:49). If a carer had to find out personal details about the client by asking them in a room which was poorly laid out and people were sitting very close together as well as there being high levels of noise then the client will not want to give the details to the carer as they will have a lack of privacy and would want their details to remain confidential. "Health and social care service users, and indeed those who work in health and social care services, may have physical, sensory or psychological problems that affect their ability to communicate effectively" (Walsh et al, 2000:86) There are different aids to communication that care workers should ensure are available for people who use services, based on their individual needs, choices and preferences. This may involve the care worker undertaking specific communication training to ensure that they have the skills required to communicate effectively with different individuals. ...read more.

Conclusion

This is to prevent information being altered or lost by accident. Confidentiality is a basic human right that has become so important that certain acts have made it a legal requirement that health and social care providers keep client details confidential. It is important Walsh et al suggests (2000) that confidentiality is maintained in a care setting all the time and for all clients because if it is not they and their families may lose trust and therefore the institution cannot completely provide the care it needs to as they may not be aware of certain clients needs as they will not tell the carers as a result of the lack of trust. However communication could be improved within my home between the care staff and senior care staff, when care staff are coming on duty. A handover is already in place between the 'senior members of staff' who are given an update on any changes with the residents and within the home, however the same should be implemented into a routine so that the care staff are given a handover from senior staff when they come on duty. I feel that this would improve communication, minimise risks and make my workplace more productive. Conclusion Effective communication is essential within any workplace. Good communication skills can reduce misunderstandings, errors, frustration, and conflict on a daily basis. You can't be effective in a health and social care unless you communicate effectively. "Communicating with people and being able to provide support are central skills in any health care job" (Portch, 1995:1) ?? ?? ?? ?? 1 ...read more.

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